Grahapati Kokkala inscription

The Grahapati Kokkala inscription is an epigraphic record documenting the dedication of a Shiva temple. It dates to 1000-1001 CE. It is one of several Chandella era inscriptions that mention a Grahapati family.[1]

It is the earliest known reference to a Grahapati family.[2] Unlike all other Chandella era Grahapati inscriptions which are Jain, this refers to a Shiva temple,[3] although Verse 3 suggests that the builder also worshipped Jinas.

Location

It was found somewhere in Khajuraho or its vivicinity, and is currently located in the Vishvanath temple there.[4]

Publication

The inscription was first published by Cunningham,[5] and has since been published in several books.[6]

Description and contents

The inscription at Khajuraho, dated Samvat 1056, Kartika (1000–1001 AD), is engraved on a slab and records the dedication of a temple termed Vidyanatha temple.[7] The current location of the Vidyanatha temple is uncertain; the inscription slab has been fixed to the Vishvanath temple.[8] Cunningham had identified the Beejamandal temple at Jatkara village near Khajuraho as the Vishvanath temple.[9][10]

Metrics

The most of the inscription is metrical, with the exception of the initial invocation to Shiva and the samvat at the end.

Text

It is a large 22 line text.[11] It starts with invocation Om Namah Shivaya.

  • Verses 1-2: Invocation of Lord Shiva.
  • Verse 3: Equates Shiva with Parama Brahma, Buddha, Vaman, Jina etc.
  • Verses 5-7: Praise of the Padmavati city.
  • Verses 8-14: Praises a family lineage of Grahapai Vamsha leading to Kokkala.
  • Verses 15-21: Describe a town and the Vaidyanath temple built by Kokkala.

Translation

Translations are provided by Kanhiayalal Agrawal [12] and Kale[13]

See also

Notes
  1. Inscriptions of the Chandellas of Jejakbhukti,Ed. H.V. Trivedi, 1989, p. 456.
  2. Svasti Śrī: Dr. B.Ch. Chhabra felicitation volume, K. V. Ramesh, Agam Prasad, S. P. Tewari, p. 139
  3. Lalit kalā, Issue 10, Lalit Kala Akademi,1961, p. 64
  4. The Early Rulers of Khajuraho, S.K. Mitra, 1958, Motilal Banarasidas, p. 224
  5. Epigraphica Indica, Pt I, 1888, p. 135-36
  6. Khajuraho, Kanhiayalal Agrawal, The MacMillan Company of India, 1980, p. 141-146
  7. Epigraphica Indica, Pt I, p. 135-36
  8. Kharjuravahaka, D. J. Kale, 1967, p. 123
  9. Reports By Archaeological Survey of India By Archaeological Survey of India Published 1880, Cunningham
  10. Cunningham, Alexander (1880). Report of Tours in Bundelkhand and Malwa in 1874-75 and 1876-77. 8 Hastings Street, Calcutta: Office of the Superintendent of Government Printing. p. 22. Retrieved 8 May 2017.CS1 maint: location (link)
  11. Khajuraho, Kanhiayalal Agrawal, The MacMillan Company of India, 1980, p. 141-146
  12. Khajuraho, Kanhiayalal Agrawal, The MacMillan Company of India, 1980, p. 141-146
  13. Kharjuravahaka, D. J. Kale, 1967
  • A photograph of this inscription outside Vishvanth temple in Khajuraho.
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